Rookie Zach Mettenberger will become the third quarterback to start for Tennessee this season when he faces Houston.

Rookie Zach Mettenberger will become the third quarterback to start for Tennessee this season when he faces Houston.

Photo: Wade Payne / Associated Press

Image 2 of 4

LSU' quarterback Zach Mettenberger (8) rears back to throw as Texas A&M's Julien Obioha, right, tries to defend during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, in College Station, Texas. LSU won the game 24-19. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Karen Warren) MANDATORY CREDIT less

LSU' quarterback Zach Mettenberger (8) rears back to throw as Texas A&M's Julien Obioha, right, tries to defend during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, in College ... more

Photo: Karen Warren, MBI / Associated Press

Image 3 of 4

LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger (8) passes during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the TCU Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger (8) passes during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the TCU Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Photo: Associated Press

Image 4 of 4

Could Cowboys be interested in picking up Zach Mettenberger?

1 / 4

Back to Gallery

With the development of quarterback Marcus Mariota for Tennessee, it was only a matter of time before the Titans decided to get rid of previous starter Zach Mettenberger.

The Browns already have five quarterbacks on their roster so it wouldn't be a surprise if they decide to pass on the former sixth-round draft pick from LSU.

Dallas would have fourth claim on Mettenberger, behind Cleveland, Tennessee and San Diego.

San Diego could be interested as a backup to the 34-year-old Phillip Rivers. But if not, Mettenberger would provide some low-cost quarterback insurance for the Cowboys if rookie quarterback Dak Prescott's development as Tony Romo's backup doesn't look strong at his early off-season workouts.

Mettenberger lost all 10 of his career starts, but he has completed 60 percent of his passes. And teams always think they can rescue a potential quarterback prospect with the proper coaching.

Best Bets To This Weekend According To Vegas InsiderSports Illustrated

Jason Garrett fell into that position during his playing career. So he might have a certain amount of interest in adding Mettenberger as a replacement for Kellen Moore.

If the Cowboys want to juice competition behind Romo this season, claiming Mettenberger would certainly do that. And it could be done cheapoly as Mettenberger has two years left on his original four-year, $2.3 million deal. It means he would paid a shade over $600,000 each of the next two seasons.

There aren't that many quarterbacks bouncing on the free-agent market at this time. Others will be available as more quarterbacks are waived as the regular season approaches, but the Cowboys would have the chance to indoctrinate Mettenberger in their system if they add him quickly.